Fairness WV hails Sen. Byrd's leadership on Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal

by: Carnacki

Thu May 27, 2010 at 09:40:56 AM EDT

Charleston, WV-Fairness West Virginia (Fairness), the statewide Lesbian and Gay advocacy organization, applauds Sen. Robert Byrd for supporting the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Sen. Byrd just announced that he will support the legislation in the Senate Armed Forces Committee which will send the repeal to the Senate floor.

"Sen. Byrd takes a bold step to end the immoral and unjust practice of forcing dedicated American service members  to lie about who they are," said Stephen Skinner, president of Fairness West Virginia. "We commend Sen. Byrd for his leadership on this important issue, and we urge the rest of the Congressional delegation to stand beside him."

"Sen. Byrd recognizes that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' runs counter to the military values of honor and integrity," said Skinner. "West Virginians  are increasingly recognizing the basic humanity of all its citizens, regardless of sexual orientation.  Sen. Byrd is recognizing that the courageous and patriotic gay Americans who are willing to die for their country deserve to serve with dignity and without fear."

Working with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Fairness organized town hall meetings across the state to educate the public about the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Fairness supporters have submitted hundreds of letter and emails, and made hundreds of calls to Sen. Byrd's office urging him to support repeal.   Along with HRC, Fairness coordinated direct advocacy in Washington and Charleston, aimed at obtaining Senator Byrd's support for the repeal.

Fairness was launched nearly 14 months ago to advocate on behalf of all LGBT West Virginians in Charleston and Washington.  Fairness also helped lobby for the Mathew Shepard Hate Crimes law which received support from the entire West Virginia delegation in Washington.